Narrated by Anne Flosnik
When Edward Ailsbury, Earl of Heyward, rescues Lady Angeline Dudley from the consequences of her impetuous actions, he sees an improper young woman who is far from any lady he could ever consider marrying. Angeline sees Edward as the man she will someday marry.
Edward is, in fact, looking for a wife and his family is eager to help in the process. Arranging for him to share a dance with a most appropriate young lady, Edward is shocked to find she is Angeline. He’s what one could call a stick-in-the-mud and believes in following the rules and that includes marrying the ultimate lady who is proper in every way. And so the fun begins.
After tiring of a seemingly endless number of European historical romances, I listened to few until my interest revived a few months ago with books such as The Secret Mistress. It reminded me of my first days of reading romance when I found teas, balls, and afternoon visits charming rather than overdone. Narrator Anne Flosnik helped me envision the true spirit of the time with her lyrical British accent.
In the past, I have occasionally found myself challenged by Ms. Flosnik’s interpretation and performance of her male characters but that wasn’t the case here. Flosnik has acknowledged consciously reworking her male characters and it clearly shows. I understood Edward’s character more than any other. Her performance of his thoughts gives the listener an even deeper look into Edward than his words proclaim since he is such a dependable, proper man and it is quite humorous at times. Edward, as performed, worked for me. Anne Flosnik has always performed her female characters beautifully and there is no exception here.
Although my interest waned a bit in the last third, I still recommend The Secret Mistress for some fine European Historical entertainment.
Breakdown of Grade - Narration B+ Book Content B
Sensuality: Warm
Publication Date: 2012/07
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